Primitive Reflexes and Neurodevelopment

What are primitive reflexes?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that there is a hierarchy to our brain development: old brain  new brain. When baby emerges earth-side, they experience all sorts of new stimuli in a different environment from the one they spent 9 months in. In order to acclimate to these new stimuli and environmental changes they adapt primitive reflexes. Thus, at birth we function primarily from our old, primitive, brain centers involving more of the new brain, neocortex, as we grow and develop. As the new brain takes over, the old brain and associated primitive reflexes are no longer needed and should become naturally inhibited. If these reflexes are present beyond 6 to 12 months, it could indicate immaturity of the central nervous system and lead to delayed motor development as well as inhibition of normal sensory-motor development.

Testing for the presence or absence of primitive reflexes is a safe and effective way to assess the development of the nervous system in the pediatric patient. This process ensures that we are appropriately monitoring baby’s development so that they are able to meet his/her milestones and grow up to be the best version of themselves. It is possible that when infant reflexes do not integrate successfully it can lead to developmental delay. This is so important to recognize because children in America are experiencing a HUGE rise in neurodevelopmental issues like ADD, ADHD, ASD, and speech impediments.

Now, hear me out, we are acutely aware of the constant information overload that parents receive about their babies’ development. Everywhere you look there is someone telling you that you need to do or buy something that will help baby reach his/her milestones. It can be overwhelming and exhausting but what I’m discussing here is a little different. I’m talking about getting to a root cause.

Clearing a path for the new brain to function as it was designed to.

What causes retained primitive reflexes?

Just like anything else involving our neurology or biology, there is almost never just one singular cause. We are multi-dimensional creatures, so to simply point and blame one factor would be irresponsible. Rather, we look at causes such as nervous system interference, movement (or lack thereof), decreased touch stimuli, poor nutrition, environmental/physical toxins, sympathetic activation, and traumatic birth which are all contributors to improper nervous system development.

How does this relate to chiropractic?

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors are nerve doctors, not bone doctors. My goal is to remove interference to the nervous system so that the body is able to function at its highest capacity. If these reflexes are not inhibited at the appropriate stage of development, the nervous system will have a harder time adapting to chiropractic adjustments along with any life stressors that may arise.

What will we do to address these retained reflexes?

The first thing we will discuss in the office is your child, starting from conception through birth and to current. We want to discover all possible factors that could have impeded nervous system development. It’s common for parents to first notice that something is ‘off’ without necessarily knowing what or why. They might have noticed their child is sensitive to certain stimuli or that they just aren’t developing like their peers or siblings. We will perform a gentle, safe examination to test for reflexes and determine the current state of the nervous system. The responses of retained reflexes can be subtle or very obvious depending on each individual child.

We’ll discuss the findings of the assessment and work together forming a plan to assist the maturation of the child’s nervous system. The plan will typically involve prescribed exercises or movements that can easily be done at home. When combined with specific chiropractic adjustments, parents will often begin to notice changes within the first few weeks.

You may want to have your child’s nervous system checked if they experience:

·       Trouble latching/picky eater

·       Poor head control

·       Sensitivity to sudden/loud noises

·       Light sensitivity

·       Imbalance

·       Difficulty concentrating

·       Restless

·       Weak grip strength

·       Speech impediments/delays

·       Hypersensitivity to touch

·       Bedwetting

·       Difficult digestion

·       Toe-walker

Whew! I know that’s a lot to take in, but don’t fret! I have a lot to say about this subject so there is definitely more to come! In the meantime, drop any questions or concerns you have in the comment section!